Peshawar Zalmi’s head coach, Darren Sammy plays street cricket with boys in Lahore on Monday. The PSL franchise shared a small video clip on social media that instantly went viral.
Boys playing cricket on the ground welcomed Sammy with huge cheers as they gathered around him and handed him the bat to play. Sammy batted and even called for a free shot on a no-ball.
Captions on the video read: “Peshawar Zalmi Head Coach Daren Sammy stops on his way to play cricket with young cricketers in Lahore!”
The West Indian cricketer is among the first foreign players who had agreed to play Pakistan Super League since then he has been eagerly working to bring back international cricket to Pakistan.
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He shares a close bond with Peshawar Zalmi’s owner, Javed Afridi, who appreciated his warm gesture for Pakistan. Besides promoting cricket in Pakistan, Sammy also cherishes the culture of Pakistan. In a recent video, he said he liked the Pakistani dish, Dampukht.
While other foreign players have returned to their respective countries, Sammy is staying in Pakistan and is touring Lahore these days. He even attended an event at the packages mall.
Read more: Darren Sammy says he faced racism in IPL, was called ‘Kaalu’
Last year he received honorary citizenship and the highest civil award on Pakistan Day, 23rd March from President Arif Alvi.
THANK YOU BROTHER @darensammy88 , PAKISTAN IS INDEBTED FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION 🏏 ❤️. pic.twitter.com/zYhhYL7nGl
— جاوید آفریدی (@JAfridi10) March 8, 2021
Pakistan Sports Board shared the news on its official Twitter account, while the team owner of Peshawar Zalmi Javed Afridi hailed the announcement. He said the decision of the government of Pakistan echoes the love and support of Pakistani cricket fans for cricketer Darren Sammy. In his Twitter post, he recalled the valuable services of Darren Sammy for bringing back international cricket in Pakistan.
He took pride in the fact that PSL franchise Peshawar Zalmi holds the honor that its skipper will be conferred with the highest civil award in recognition of serving Pakistan.
Earlier, Javed Afridi had requested PCB chairman Ehsan Mani to help them move their application of honorary citizenship for Darren Sammy lying in the President’s office.
Read more: Darren Sammy to get Pakistan’s honorary citizenship, highest civil award
Peshawar Zalmi captain, Darren Sammy, has applied for the citizenship of Pakistan, revealed team owner Javed Afridi in a meeting with PCB chairman, Ehsan Mani. He said Darren Sammy’s request is lying with Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi.